Danilo Pérez will be named “in recognition of his efforts to provide outreach music programmes to children living in extreme poverty in Panama, especially in his capacity as President of the Danilo Pérez Foundation, and his dedication to the ideals and aims of the Organization”.

Born in Panama in 1965, Danilo Pérez’ has influenced contemporary music through his distinctive Pan-American jazz. He currently directs the Berklee Global Jazz Institute at Berklee College of Music (Boston, Massachusetts), and is the President of the Danilo Pérez Foundation which provides outreach music programmes to children living in extreme poverty in Panama. Danilo Pérez is also the Artistic Director for the Panama Jazz Festival.

Danilo Pérez has received numerous awards for his social work in Panama, including the Orden Vasco Núñez de Balboa and the Key to the City of Panama.

UNESCO Artists for Peace are internationally-renowned personalities who use their influence, charisma and prestige to help promote UNESCO’s message and programmes. UNESCO works with them in order to heighten public awareness regarding key development issues and to inform the public what our Organization's action is in these fields.

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The ceremony will be followed by a short performance and a reception. Journalists wishing to cover the ceremony should seek accreditation with UNESCO’s Press Service: